Question: Can you write about the laws on headlights on when they are to be used? It would probably be a good idea to mention the rules of dimming one's bright lights. Thanks. Answer: When you are within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle or following another vehicle at a distance of 200 feet or less, your headlights mu...

Question: Hi Sgt Grabow, I took my driver's training course many years ago. One thing I remember from my training is the steps that goes into making a right-hand turn, including: Looking to my right to make sure no one/nothing is there. Putting on my right turn signal. Looking again for no obstacles. Proceeding to move...

Question: Hi, I read your "Ask A Trooper" article regarding Winter Travel Survival Kit Essentials. You might reconsider recommending cat litter as an agent for traction. Traditional cat litter is made of small chunks of clay, when one attempts to use it for traction in winter conditions it quickly dissolves i...

Question: I heard about a thing called "Vanessa's Law" the other day and I wasn't quite sure what it was all about. I know it has to do with new or young drivers. Answer: Vanessa Weiss was killed just days before her 16th birthday in May 2003. In her memory, Vanessa's Law was passed a year later. She was ...

Question: I travel a lot and I see a number of people making some poor choices when it comes to passing semis and large vehicles. There is no way these big rigs can stop in time when people do these unsafe maneuvers. Can you write about this? Answer: A commercial vehicle is a motor vehicle or a combination of motor veh...

Question: During one of the recent winter storms, I encountered numerous vehicles driving on a 4-lane highway with their four-way hazard lights on. The vehicles were not driving significantly slower than the other traffic, as nearly everyone had slowed considerably due to the low visibility. Is it legal in Minnesota a...

Question: I have heard a person can text 911 if they need to. Can you explain what that is about? Answer: Here is some information we shared on the Department of Public Safety's blog. Text-to-911 is a different way to get help when you can't make a voice call. Texting should only be used when you can't make a voice cal...

Question: I've heard about some snow plows getting hit out on the highway this winter. Can you remind people what they should be doing when sharing the roads with our plow drivers? Answer: For people to stay safe around plows, they just need to practice good common sense and have some patience. Give Space: Stay at leas...

Question: I know you were talking about winter safety tips in your last article. Can you go over the items a person should have in their vehicle when traveling in the winter? Answer: When assembling a winter travel survival kit, it's best to include a variety of items that prepare you for cold, isolation, and unexpecte...

Question: I've seen the traffic safety information you share on your X account when it comes to dealing with winter weather and slippery roads. Can you write about winter driving safety here for all of us? I'd like for you to share some basic winter driving tips. Thank you and be safe. Answer: I sure can. While summer ...

Question: I'm pregnant and I've seen seat belt attachments that clip under the seat and say they make belts safer for pregnant people. Are these safe to use? Answer: I contacted the expert who is the Community Programs and Occupant Protection Manager for the Minnesota Safety Council and here is what I was advised. Seat...

Question: I saw a guy in a Chevrolet Suburban towing a guy on a motorcycle using a tow strap going down the street in town. It crossed my mind, is that legally ok to do that for a long distance? Answer: Minnesota statute says: When one vehicle is towing another the drawbar or other connection must be of sufficient stre...

Question: I want to make sure my child is safe in the car, but I've heard that some car seats sold online are fake or don't meet U.S. safety standards. How can I tell if a car seat is unsafe? Answer: Good question. I reached out to the expert who is the Community Programs and Occupant Protection Manager for the Minneso...

Question: At a 4-way stop, when 2 cars stop at exactly the same time, which one has the right of way? Is it the car on your left? It seems like no one knows what to do these days and everyone just sits there. Answer: That is a good question for a good topic. Right-of-way and yielding laws help traffic flow smoothly and...

Question: Can I get some clarification on stop signs? I always wonder where to stop. Is it at the stop sign or at the stop line I sometimes see on the road? Thank you. Answer: This is a good question that I do get fairly often. Here is what you need to know and do when it comes to stopping. Stop signs: Come to a comple...

Question: I feel like I see so many vehicles tailgating and following too close. I remember people talking about a so-many second following tip. Can you remind me and others what that is? Answer: Applying the "Three-Second Rule" helps you keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. Thi...

Question: In your last article you wrote about "pavement markings." Could you talk about "turn lanes" as I think there are quite a few people who get confused by this? Answer: Turn lanes near intersections separate left-turning or right-turning traffic from through traffic. White arrows, sometimes a...

Question: Can you explain what the lines on the highways and streets indicate? I feel like a lot of people can't figure it out. Thanks. Answer: I sure can. Pavement markings direct and regulate traffic. White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. White dashes: You can change lanes where this ...

Question: I seem to encounter a fair amount of emergency vehicles running in emergency mode (lights and sirens). I also can't help but notice how many people don't pull over and yield to them. Can you bring some attention to this? Answer: Great topic for conversation. When an emergency vehicle (such as an ambulance, fi...

Question: My grandkids get to be on their school's "School Patrol." I am so happy they get to help but can you talk about this? I want people to be aware to help keep them and everyone safe. Thank you for all you do. Answer: Congratulations to your grandchildren! You should be proud as it is quite an honor to...